Tobacco buyers urged to honour contracts with growers

The Tobacco Association of Malawi (TAMA) has asked the tobacco buyers to honour their agreements with farmers.

The organisation made the plea after growers complained that they are being forced to sell their tobacco on auction even though their contracts are yet to finish.

Chief Executive Officer for TAMA Graham Kunimba said the buyers must abide by policies and if they agreed that they will be buying the Tobacco on contract then that must be followed.

Tobacco farmers get drilled.

“Buyers must honour their agreement with the farmers that if they are to buy tobacco on contract that must not change,” said Kunimba.

He added that TAMA is consulting Tobacco Control Commission (TCC) on the matter though the farmers have not provided a formal complaint.

Kunimba further said that the talks will help farmers who are facing challenges on the market. Meanwhile, there is high rejection rate pegging at 99 percent on the tobacco market which is a heavy blow to most farmers.

However, as of Tuesday July 5, the tobacco sales this season had raked in $122.5 million.